Will be there this year too. Found this on Mapmyride. Not sure if its accurate:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/217129345

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http://www.myracerecap.com
http://www.anthonybagnettofitness.com

I'll be there too. I've got the same questions. I want to preview the course before the race. No surprises for this one! Is that a possibility?

Lake temp in August seem to vary wildly from mid 60s all the way to 80 degrees. Depends a lot on the weather. Typical is high 60s to 70, apparently.

Bump for more input.

The swim is in the summerfest grounds lagoon so the water should be warmer than the lake unless there is several days of just the right wind conditions to bring cold water through the gap. The bike and run courses will be pretty fun.

I qualified 2 weeks ago @ Leon's for this race.

Swim:
Never swam on it, but it's protected. Behind a break water, and then further shielded by a state "park"/reclaimed land... Should be very calm swimming.

Bike:
Much of the course is actually an interstate highway - good luck riding that. I'm not real familiar with the portion of the course down in St. Francis or Cudahy, but it's flat. The northern portion of the bike course on Lincoln Memorial drive is pretty flat, though there is a hill at the very north most portion of it prior to the turn around, but it's not bad.

The Hoan bridge is a bit on the shady side in terms of tarmac condition, but I believe the rest of the course to be good quality road.

Run:
Flat, Flat and more flat. The toughest part will be when you run by Alterra coffee and resisting the urge to stop and get some breakfast.

Area near st Fran and cudahy is very similar in road condition and terrain to the northern portion (ie pretty flat and decent roads). Little more twisty and turny but they are gradual so you can stay on the gas

I think I'll cheer from alterra...

I did a duathlon a week ago that was on the eastern part of the oly bike course (Cudahy). It had some rollers but was generally flat and the roads were in pretty good condition. I then drove the bike course and ran the run course. The Hoan bridge looks like crap, especially the expansion joints. They look like they could swallow a tire, but they had a charity ride a few weeks ago that went over the Hoan bridge so I guess it can't be that bad. The first part of the bike course looked good though. It's mostly flat, but there's a bit of a climb by the first turn around point and the Hoan bridge is a bit of a climb as well.

The swim looks like it will be good, and the run course was as flat as it gets and very scenic along the water. The run course doesn't really have any shade so it could get hot, but there's also a chance there will be a nice breeze coming off the lake.

Overall, it looks like a great venue. If the weather is good, there should be some fast times.

I took some pics while I was there. The course map isn't the best so I could be wrong on some of this, but I think I'm pretty close.

This is the first half of the swim. I took this standing on the tunnel.




The tunnel (it's narrow)...






The second half of the swim (you can see the Hoan bridge in the background)...






Running toward the first turn around point....






The first turn around point...





Another pic from the run course. This is running toward the second turn around point. I can't tell from the map if we'll be on the path or road. I ran on the path.





The second turn around point is somewhere by this beach...






I hope that helps.

Very awesome. Thanks this helps a lot!

This guy "Supersquid" above......AWESOME POST!!!!

I will be there with 4 friends from Richmond, VA to race, and this post is the best I have seen for an overview of the course.

Thanks so much!

Excellent! If I had to guess, I'd say that since the course map names both Lincoln Memorial Drive and Oak Leaf Trail on the second out-and-back, the out is on the trail and the back is on the road. Way too narrow on the trail to have both directions.

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"Go yell at an M&M"

That's what I was thinking. Run out on the path and back on the road. I think people traveling to the race will really enjoy the venue. It's by the Summerfest grounds which is one of the largest music festivals in the country. Right on the lake. The only potential issues/complaints I can see right now is the tunnel on the swim and the road conditions on the freeway. The tunnel is narrow and there a lot of rocks down there. It looks like you'll want to swim toward the center to avoid hitting rocks. If you don't race short course with a spare tube you might want to for this race because of the conditions on the bridge. Otherwise I thought the conditions on the bike course looked pretty good, and I'm hoping the conditions on the bridge turn out to be better than I'm expecting. We'll see.

I will be in Milwaukee this weekend visiting family. I'll try to get down to the course and take a few more pictures and maybe some video.

I just received an email from USAT...they are sold out and are placing folks on a wait list.

It's gonna be one heck of a weekend....Better be bringing your "A" game.

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"Good genes are not a requirement, just the obsession to beat ones brains out daily"...the Griz

3200 folks entered on a pancake flat course? it's basically gonna be a crit race.

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@adamwfurlong

No. That is why there is a swim first. :-)

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Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

That is going to be an interesting swim.

Swim:

Never swam there before, but, was just down there this weekend. The start is in a protected harbor. For the most part, it is "protected" but, has a large open area. You could get some chop, depending on the wind, but, won't be bad. You will be funneling through a pretty narrow channel going under a bride for the main part of the course. The main section on the other side runs alone the Summerfest grounds. It is very protected. The water will be a bit warmer than the rest of the Lake, but, not much. However, it should be protected from any wind and should be smooth, for the most part. At the tail end, you will have to go back through the very narrow channel and under the bridge, then straight out of the water.

Bike:

Should be interesting. I did a ride on the Hoan Bridge several years ago. Most of the coarse is highway. Roads are pretty good this year. But, the Hoan Bridge is elevated and right along the Lake. If there is wind, it will not be fun. Cars can get pushed around on that bridge in the wind.

I live on the south side and ride in Cudahy and St. Francis often. The course is on major roads. They are not bad. Lake Drive was beaten up by winter, but, there is a lot of patching going on. The roads will not be bad. Lake Drive has some exposure to the Lake, so, wind could be a factor again. But, aside from "climbing" up the Hoan Bridge, you are looking at a flat course with few turn. This will be a tuck and fly coarse.

Run:

Flat. Flat. Flat. Should be a fast run. You will get some good cooling effect from the lake. Like I said, I live on the south (west) side of Milwaukee. It can be 10 degrees cooler on the lake front than where I live. So, you may get some good relief on the run. It will be a scenic run. I like that area. Should be some good crowds as well.


Overall, I think it will be a good course. I believe I will join ironmaybe at Alterra and cheer.

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR

You gonna cheer for me?

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"Go yell at an M&M"

  

Will 3200 people be able to fit in two directions under this bridge? With 17 waves I foresee some congestion :)

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Dynamic Athlete ProgrammingVIP Endurance Racing | Like us on Facebook Get Your Training Plan Here

Anyone else noticed the schedule of the swim waves? First wave off at 7:30... last wave off at 10:12!! Are you freaking kidding me?!

http://www.usatriathlon.org/...onship/schedule.aspx

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blog

Absolutely! I may even make a sign.

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR

Given our AG Are we at risk for sudden cardiac issues if we cheer at a triathlon?

That's right - because they should jam the waves closer together to create more congestion on the course. Not.

It's Milwaukee in August, what's wrong with that?

At least transition is open until 7:30. So you can show up at 7, set up, and go back to your hotel and sleep in. Right?

So what time should folks shoot for, if they are trying to qualify for worlds in 25-29 or 30-34 AG?

Yeah....August and 10:30 do not make me feel good about this. The congestion aside, that is going to make for some crazy differences in overall times. I would much rather run @ 9am than 12 noon. Ugh.....smh.

Your age group will go off together. What does it matter if there are differences in overall finish times between the age groups?

The run is on the shores of Lake Michigan. Ever heard of the phrase "cooler by the lake"

Just show up and race your heart out. It's all good....

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"Good genes are not a requirement, just the obsession to beat ones brains out daily"...the Griz

To quote StringCheese:

Just show up and race your heart out. It's all good....

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Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

Not between AG's but between athletes overall. I'd love to say it's all in the training, but running in the cooler times is easier than running when it's blazing out. I plan on racing my heart out!!

You need top 20 or so...last year that meant 2:06 or better in 20-24 and 2:08 or better in 30-34. The course was a little slower last year, so you might need a minute or 2 better in Milwaukee.

HAHAHA just as I thought USAT can't get any more disorganized. :D They have me listed under Athena and Clydesdale division.

Scroll to near the bottom for 'participant lists':

http://www.usatriathlon.org/...al-championship.aspx

Do I need to do anything to fix this? Or is this just a web glitch?

Any chance this would be a non-wetsuit swim?

Also, do you have a guest bedroom? (just kidding)

Not a chance of being non-wetsuit.

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my strava

It will definitely be wetsuit legal, Lake Michigan is really chilly.


I only have a two bedroom, but I've got a futon in the basement and a couch.

I thought about doing this race since it's only 5-1/2 hours away. But I have a 70.3 the following weekend. I assume it would be suicide to have my "A" race I've trained all season for 1 week after trying to turn a fast Oly time. But I would be fun to participate and race against some of the fastest in my AG. Looks like a great, flat, midwest themed course.

Anyone think you can fully recover form an olympic is 8 days and do a 70.3? or would I have to cruise the run a give up on any kind of PR? It that's the case is it worth $155 to do that?

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TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com

The olympic race is sold out....but they have a waitlist. I've done a sprint the weekend before both of my HIM races so far this season and that was fine. Olympic the week before would be too much for me....but I'm an old man.

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Randy
http://www.gulfcoasttriteam.com

I almost think a sprint might be worse, since they are so fast. I'm not driving almost 6 hours for a sprint.

I'm at least doing Hyvee in Des Moines this year, so that should be a good event with a lot of competition. I usually avoid larger events, but I'm warming up to them. I might have to do one of the major events in a warm place in early Spring. next year. Like San Diego, Texas or Florida.

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TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com

will they post which wave you are in?

When will I know?

anyone???

With the bridge & potential winds, are people planning to use a disc?

http://www.usatriathlon.org/...onship/schedule.aspx

Waves are by AG.

Hed H3 front and rear for me.

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Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

Weather has been goofy. About 75 inland and 70 near the Lake today with rain. Tomorrow's high is 65. Cold front moved in, which is causing a bit of wind, but, not bad. It will start warming up again next week.

Most likely, the wind over the bridge and along the Lake will be a cross-wind. On a normal day, it will be a pain, but, not insurmountable. Keep your eye on the weather forecast. Also keep in mind that the bridge is really the only elevation, so, you have a mostly flat and fast course.

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR

I haven't been able to get my disc cover installed in my frame due to rub, but hell yes.

My 125 pound wife will be riding her's.

Can't believe I'm the first to say this but….always ride the disc! I will be riding a wheel cover and S80 front.

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Twitter - Instagram

It makes a big difference when there are also awards for the Overall, Masters and Grand Masters. For example the 45-49 guys are racing over 2.5 hours after the 40-44 guys, so are likely to be running and possibly riding in more hostile conditions while competing for the Masters award. You can't please everyone, however you order the waves, but I feel that a better job could have been done here.
Having done this race each of the last 7 years I must say that USAT make it an excellent event. However in this case, with the wide distribution of wave times, I think it would have behooved them to simply order a dozen more barriers and have a split transition, the second half closing say 1:15 later, so that folk don't have to exit transition 2:42 before their wave starts. This would be a big convenience to 1000 people, and would also ease the site congestion at 6:30 to 7:30am.
Aside from getting up at the crack of dawn for a 10am start a mile from my hotel, I'm looking forward to this event, bringing my bomb-proof 21 year old Hed3s (nothing fits into a bike bag more easily) and hoping the crosswinds on the bridge behave.
Also - thanks to JSA for the course insight.
Doug

I certainly can't help but be a little disappointed to be in the last start at 10:12am... Overall rankings certainly count to me and I can guarantee you I can't perform the same at 85 degrees as 60....

Guess I better start doing my runs at midday and not 6 o'clock...and hope for a massive cold front!

Yea I'm a little bummed too...I could have sworn that there was a claim somewhere that they gradually rotate the AGs through when they start, but we've been second to last, last, and last now. I know it's probably the fastest or second fastest AGs so we still won't be the last ones out on course, but it's kind of annoying

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IG: idking90

First year going so I am not getting the repetitive disappointment, but certainly a little worried about the possibility of a very crowed bike course. Although sling shot-ing is fast, at some point the speed differential becomes too great and you are pretty much just in a constant passing mode.

It's not that bad, most likely. USAT does do a good job of spacing out the waves, so it's not just 3 or 5 minutes wave after wave after wave. There are some 20 minute gaps; we have 10 to the wave in front of us.
From what I remember starting in the back in Burlington , it can be a little dicey for maybe the first mile as people are putting on shoes and finding a rhythm, but after that you should be ok. You will constantly be passing people though. Milwaukee may be a *little* worse because Burlington had a few little elevation changes in the first 5 miles to break things up more, but I don't think it'll be too terrible. Just don't ride super head down and it should be all right. There are motos everywhere so I don't think packs will be too big an issue, or at least I hope not.

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IG: idking90

Looking at the long range forecast and if it holds , it should not be too hot. It's been a cool summer here so far and the lake really helps. That said, I'm fortunate enough to be in early (8:00:00 clockish) waves both days. I entered the sprint long before I qualified for the oly just to be sure to participate as I only live 40 minutes away so hence doing both races. Any idea on how we are entering the water off the Discovery world pier? Is it going to be an in water start?

I'm in the same boat, first year racing AG nats, in the 16-19 age group. I really just hope that it stays calm and cool until later in the day.

I am in the 1st wave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Ducks behind couch)

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Rock Chalk!

"Any idea on how we are entering the water off the Discovery world pier? Is it going to be an in water start?"

Typically, it is an in water treading start between two buoys. The waves are pretty big especially with it being sold out again. Congrats on doing both, wish I could, but family obligations call!

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Don't Just Live, Thrive!
Thrive Kinematics Physical Therapy - http://www.facebook.com/...8178667572974?ref=hl

Any guesses as to when the Clydesdales are going off (in sprint race specifically)? I'm guessing that they may go off with their respective age-group, but would be nice to know for sure.

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John Hartpence, Athlete & Coach
tripence@gmail.com, @coachpence

My guess is they will do something along the lines of what they do for IMAZ/SOMA/etc, put temporary steps in.

I'm not throwing anything at you, because I'm in the first wave too. :-)

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Don Larkin
Reach For More
http://www.reachformore.fit/
USAT Lvl1 Coach, NSCA-CPT, NASM-CPT, BS Exercise Science

Are you coming to do the race?

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Matt Amman

I'm thinking about hosting a ST get together a day or so before the race (or maybe after). I figure you, Aziere, Boehmer, Bowe, Harms, other ST'ers, etc. would attend.

Maybe Miller will provide the refreshments. :)

I'll work on some details.

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Matt Amman

Si

sounds like fun!!

Hi all.

This is going to be my first overnight bike check-in, and I'm just wondering how people do tire airing. Do people bring pumps to transition in the morning? Are there pumps available? Just air 'em up the night before and hope for the best? Check your bike in but bring your wheels to the hotel? Find solid rubber tires instead? Use a hoverbike? Amish steel wheel racing?

I bring my own pump or borrow one.

They also usually have bike tech's in transition with pumps who can help.

will we be able to swim the course the day before the race?

Race schedule from the USAT website:

Friday, August 9

10am-6pmPacket Pickup and Expo, Milwaukee Art Museum

11am-1pmSwim Practice, Discovery World

1pmAG Rules Briefing, Finish Line at Milwaukee Art Museum

2pm-7pmMandatory Bike Check-in Olympic Distance,Discovery World

what if I am not going to be in town yet...I will be later...say around 7

Then no. You won't be able to get in the water. It isn't an area that normally allows swimming.

ok thanks for the heads up

Packet pickup ends at 6.

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Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

How are some of you finding out what wave you are in?

Its been posted on the website for a while: http://www.usatriathlon.org/...onship/schedule.aspx

If you watch the pre-race briefing on the USAT website it covers a lot of the questions you have. There will be mats over the expansion joints on the interstate/bridge and the schedule and swim waves are posted on there as well.

I am so excited - I can't wait!!!

Patti in New Jersey

So anyone want to guess who's going to contend for the overall title?

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blog

I qualified for AG Nationals but I decided not to sign up this year. I would still like to race next year so when can I race to qualify for 2014? Is it only after Jan 1st or any time after Aug 11 this year?

Thanks!

A bunch of sandbaggers who should be racing pro?

This years rules are:

"Athletes can meet qualification at any USAT sanctioned event beginning on July 18, 2012 and ending eight (8) days prior to the 2013 Olympic Distance National Championship event date (TBD). All athletes must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2013."

Assuming next year will be similar.

What's funny about that is I was looking through the digital program last night, and most of the recent winners have gone on to be pretty successful, like Maloy, VanOrt, and Collins all within the last few years.
I think there's a large bunch of what you're describing, but there are always a few who seem to come somewhat out of nowhere. Maybe it's not their first time qualifying for a pro card, but it's not like they've been sitting on one for 4-5 years like *some* people
ETA: I'm not at all saying that's what the athletes I named were doing. I think most of them were fairly new to the sport at the time, but it illustrates the point that the winner of AG Nats can usually/probably do quite well for him/herself in the pro ranks. Sometimes that's because they're ungodly talented, sometimes because they should've been racing pro for years, sometimes maybe both.

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IG: idking90

Snap.

I think you and I are going to get along quite well, roomie!

PS, got the room adjusted, so you'll have your own bed to sleep in!

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@adamwfurlong

Appreciate. I am just putting my travel logistics together and intend to give you a call before arriving at your door. Hopefully before dark on thursday.

Is Duffy on the start list? That is who I will put my money on...........

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-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM

I said the same thing, but he's not on the start list.

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blog

Well guess it is a crap shoot then. Only 3 of the top 10 from St Anthonys will be there and 2 of the top 5 from CapTex will be there. Should be interesting to see how things play out.

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-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM

Mike and I are keeping an eye on some Brad guy!

Duffy indicated to me that the top 7 (I think he said 7) from last year aren't racing.

My pick is Colin Riley. He's had a great season so far. He has improved leaps and bounds over the past two years.

Bruce Gennari

What his last name I better watch out for him ;)

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-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM

How has he been racing since St A's? I have heard the name, he is suppose to be guiding Aaron Scheidies at Worlds.

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-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM

Good luck out there! Are you racing HyVee, too?

Is Adam Webber racing this weekend? He'd be on my list for a podium spot.

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speedySTATES

Thanks Randy. No Hyvee for me, focusing on Vegas. I did not see Adam on the start list, one of the first names I looked for along with Duffy. I even looked and made sure you didn't pull a quick one and get in at the last minute, even though you had said at CapTex you weren't racing. When are you taking your pro card?

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-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM

Haha, no Nationals for me, just Hy-vee. I'll be taking the card after Hy-vee or at the very start of next season. Yourself?

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speedySTATES

No set date, need to figure out when and if I am getting out of the military and still need to finish my degree. The full time work, full time student, and part time triathlete thing starts to take its beating after a while ;) Good luck at Hyvee!

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-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM

Well if you wait much longer we'll all be calling you a sandbagger. :)

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speedySTATES

Just found out I was in a couple of days ago and I'm finally able to go this year. Does anyone know the water temperature? Am I going to go hypothermic without a wetsuit?

Thanks!

Water temp on 7/22 was like 74 degrees. Probably will be about that this weekend.

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"Go yell at an M&M"

74? Great, thank you! I was worried it was going to be much cooler than that. Hopefully I can hack it w/o a suit.

Looks like I was spot on with my prediction that Colin Riley would win USAT National Championships.

Way to go! Well deserved!

Bruce Gennari

Colin had a great race! Very impressive. Most interesting part was how much he has improved on the bike since St Anthonys. I out split him there by 1:30, and he out rode me by 40secs, so 2:10 in 4 months is pretty impressive. Looking forward to seeing what he does in the future.

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-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM